imkassie

GO to MY New Blog!

2011-05-26T17:17:00.001-05:00

Well, I have decided that since I'm not really just "I'm Kassie" anymore, that I should start a new blog. The new blog will be about me AND my husband, our life and home. I have imported the posts from this blog to the new one that have been written since Randy came into my life. I've also updated all of the pages of the blog, so click on the tabs at the top of the homepage! Please come see the new blog and be a follower!! :) Click here!

Painting the Living Room

2011-05-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

I wrote this post yesterday, only to find that Blogger was doing some maintenance and deleted it. SO, here I go again.

The house is coming along, but I haven't had a chance to blog about everything we've been doing. A couple of weeks ago, Randy and I headed to Lowe's to pick out paint. Originally, I had my heart set on a yellow living room. That's what I have now in our lease house, and I love it with my furniture. While looking at swatches and pictures in brochures, we saw a pretty color called Crunch Granola. NOT YELLOW. It's a caramel-ly brown color...We decided to go with that.

After it was painted, I liked the color, but not in my house. It made the room feel dark and small and it looked awful with the gumwood trim around the windows and fireplace. I didn't want to say anything to Randy who had worked so hard to paint it, but I eventually asked him what he really thought of it. He didn't like it either. YAY! SO, we headed back to Lowe's to get the originally intended yellow. We picked a pretty shade called English Tea Party, or something like that. However, the walls weren't even completely painted and I hated it. Randy just shook his head at me...but he finally admitted he thought it looked awful. Well, we ended up just going with a neutral color...the same color we had painted in the dining area. It's pretty...not exactly the "wow" color I wanted, but I like it. (When you see the picture, you'll notice it's not completely finished)Now to wait and see what it looks like with my furniture. Someday we may paint that gumwood (YIKES!...It's beautiful) white, and I'll then get my yellow living room.

My next post will be about the kitchen. Our new cabinets are finally finished and were delivered yesterday! Yippee!!

Until then....
~kassie

Isn't this awful??!

Much better! OH-and did you notice the green carpet is gone??

Our Big Little Cottage Makeover

2011-04-22T23:17:00.002-05:00

Well, here it is. My first post in FOREVER and the first post about our home makeover. Randy and I bought this cute little house...and maybe I should stop saying little because it's bigger than it appears from the front. Anyway, we closed on the house about 3 weeks ago and the work began that day. But first....I will tell you a little about the house.

I have always wanted a cute "cottage"...I've always had an eye for vintage things, or things that are new but have that "old" look (even before it became so popular within the last few years). I'm a dreamer. I've always been a reader, which is probably why I've always been a dreamer. These kinds of homes are always in books...storybooks when the world must have been just a little bit sweeter. The perfect life exists somewhere in my dreams, and this is just one step closer! Maybe I'm too nostalgic.... But back to the house....lol. We wanted something old that we could fix up, but still be true to its character. This house was for sale by owner and the day we looked at it, we fell in love with it. I could drag this story out, but to make the story a little shorter, we met the owners and they are very kind people. They were hesitant in putting the house on the market as it has been in their family nearly since the home was built around 1928. The day we signed on it, there were tears on their part, and promises from us to take care of it and an open invitation for visits if they'd like. They grew up in this house, and I can only imagine the whirl of emotions they felt that day, handing the keys over. But from the very first day Randy and I sat foot in the house, it just felt like HOME.

Everything in the house has been taken care of. There's original light fixtures, bathroom fixtures...a beautiful fireplace and gorgeous woodwork in the living and dining rooms that has not been painted over. The walls are solid wood and under the carpet is hardwood floors throughout the house. This is not the kind of house you run across every day.

So, now we embrace the project! Time to remodel! I intend to post pictures here often. Hopefully, I can keep up with it! So far, we (we means mostly Randy, some help from Andre, and a teensy weensy bit of help from me...ha!) have pulled up all the shrubs that were not the greatest from the yard, we have torn out a couple of walls, put a wall where a door was and just began the texturing. Yesterday, my input came in a bit more with picking some paint colors! :)

I could go on and on, but I will post some pictures because if you're reading this, I know you're tired of my rambling and would rather see the pics!

Here's the front of the house just after all the shrubs had been dug up. The only picture I got prior to that was on my iphone. I won't tell you everything we are going to do in the first post, but we do intend to paint the brick. We were hesitant at first, but we've looked at several houses that have been painted and they are beautiful. We are thinking a light grayish color.

This is the garage and apartment in the back yard. We have a couple of ideas we are thinking on for what we'll do with this.

Here's the sideview down the driveway. I think backing out from the garage may take some getting used to!

This is a look at the back yard from the alley.

Hopefully, I'm going to be getting a little wider angle lens soon. You can't really see the full room in these next pictures, but you get the idea. This is the breakfast area the way it looked from the beginning. Sorry it's a little blurry!

Here it is now with the wall between the kitchen and breakfast area knocked out. We are building a utility room in the end of the existing kitchen, so we knocked the wall out to extend the kitchen. We won't lose any eating space because we are adding a small bar that will be attached to the kitchen cabinets and counter.

Somehow,I didn't get a picture inside the dining room...just from right outside the door. But here it is...and the next picture is of dining room with the wall knocked out. We will be adding decorative posts here to support the wall. We plan to build a staircase to the attic and it will empty out where this wall has been knocked out.

And that is enough for one post! Hopefully, I'll have more to post soon. We should be doing some painting tomorrow or next week. Have a great weekend!

~kassie

Happy Birthday, Mr. Miles!

2011-03-29T16:18:00.033-05:00

This post will not be nearly as nicely expressed as the one here, but.....I can't believe it's been one year ago today that little Miles Hunter Dutton graced us with his presence! He has definitely turned out to be one of the greater joys in life (of course we knew he would!), and I can't imagine life without him. It's amazing what a little guy with big, blue eyes and a crazy cute smile can do to your heart! I am so blessed to get to spend so much time with my sweet nephew. When I first started babysitting him a couple of days a week, my thoughts were that I wasn't sure I could keep it up. It was definitely a challenge (and great training for motherhood!). But now, it just seems natural and I look forward to the days he arrives. We spend the mornings at work with Aunt Linda (he doesn't know anyone else when she's in the room!!). He's quite the pro at drinking coffee (decaf, of course) and loves the typewriter (yes, we still use one of those). In the afternoon, we just hang out and have fun. Even Uncle Randy is smitten with him! To say the least, he has certainly stolen my heart! Happy 1st Birthday, Miles! Aunt Kassie loves you THHHHIIIIIISSSSSS much!

Last Saturday, Miles had a Dr. Seuss themed birthday party. Here's a few pics.

The Birthday Boy!

Guests were invited to sign a Dr Seuss birthday storybook.

Green Eggs and Ham!

Cat in the Hat cake!

I made this birthday banner out of chipboard. I painted it and glittered and painted the letters. I didn't have a wider angle lens to get the whole thing up close. It was fun to make....maybe I'll do some more!

Slideshow of Miles.

Falling Garden in Venice

2011-03-07T15:35:00.007-06:00

I ran across this online a few days ago and find myself wondering..."Why in the world did I not visit this place when I was in Venice???" The Falling Garden is located at the San Sae church on the Canale Grande and was created in 2003 to celebrate the 50th Bienniel of Venice (an International Art Exhibition). Beautiful!

A Little Bit of Inspiration

2011-02-17T21:24:00.001-06:00

I've always loved things that are pretty....who doesn't? I like to call it eye candy. I've decided to post often here, the pictures of things I find pretty...the things that are sweet to my eyes. I've gotten the "itch" lately to get back into my crafting, and soon, Randy and I will have a cute old house/cottage to flip (there'll be more on that later). No matter the talent, hobby or job, sometimes all you need is a little bit of inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. So I am sharing here a glimpse of the things/places/people that inspire me. If you come back often, you'll probably catch the drift that I love anything vintage, or anything vintage inspired. Enjoy...and get inspired to get back to an old hobby or try something new!

All of the items or prints in the collage can be found on Etsy.
Bird Tags - SeasonalDelights
"YAY" Print - TheLightFantastic
Coffee Mug - Corduroy
Chandelier Wall Transfer - DecorDesigns
Needle and Buttons Print - DearMachine
LOVE Doily Print - Awakes
Vintage Chairs with Shoe Print - TheLightFantastic
Typewriter Print -YvetteInufio
Macaroons Print - DearMachine

VOTE for us!

2011-02-06T14:55:00.004-06:00

Please vote for our picture so we can win a free canvas wrap!!! You have to leave a comment on our photographers blog with our picture number (number 19) and why you like it the best. If you don't have a username to comment on blogs, then sign up! It's easy!!
CLICK HERE :)

Snow Days!

2011-02-03T13:50:00.005-06:00

I absolutely LOVE the snow (possibly because we don't get a whole lot of it). We usually get a little every winter. Last winter we got a blizzard for the first time in my life and it dumped 16 inches on us. Just this week...starting Monday night, we got some ice and snow (not near the 16 inches of last winter, but enough to keep those inside who don't own 4 wheel drive vehicles). Texas is not used to this, so we basically get "crippled" with this kind of weather. I haven't gone to work since Monday and the outings have been few (but they've been there, thanks to Randy's 4wd pickup!). You now know why I had the time to post the loooong Christmas post just before this one and now this is my SECOND post of the day!!! Anyway, this time the snow and freezing temps has been a little frustrating due to the fact that the pipes in our kitchen froze even though we took necessary precautions. Thankfully, the bathroom pipes did not freeze. Anyway, to wash dishes, we've been carting water from the bathroom to the kitchen. Yay. Today they say we have another chance of snow for tonight/tomorrow....we'll see. The temps have been in the teens....actually it was 8 degrees when I woke up this morning, so none of this is melting. But, I say God does this sometimes to slow us down. We live in such a hectic world that never stops running. So, I'm kind of enjoying the slower pace and all the "vegging". However, much more of it and I'm going to become a real couch potatoe. I'll leave you with a couple of pics.....and til the next post, for all of those shut in...stay warm!

The back yard.

Our First Christmas!

2011-01-18T17:36:00.043-06:00

I know this is more than a LITTLE late, but I've wanted to post these pictures for a few weeks now, and it seems like everytime I sat down to do it, something else got in the way. I was so excited this year to have my own little cottage to decorate and my wonderful husband to spend the holidays with. I was also grateful that he thinks decorating and lights and all that good stuff is important, too! He was a big help and didn't think twice about putting lights on the house and wrapping the trees. In our neighborhood, it seems like EVERYONE wraps their trees, so I didn't want to be left out! :) Christmas was great, as always. Randy and I got together with his family on Dec. 23rd. We started a new tradition this year where the whole family gets together on this date and his mom makes fried chicken and all the trimmings. It was so good! We had a lot of fun playing Hedbanz and just being silly. On Christmas Eve, my sister hosted our family's annual Christmas-Eve-get-together. We had creamy tacos and lots of sweets. Then, on Christmas Day, Randy and I had our Christmas morning together, then went to my parents for the day. I think there was around 35 people packed in their house! We ate til we were stuffed and played Pictionary til we thought it would never end....

Our little house that's incredibly too small, but in my dream neighborhood since I was a little girl. It's really cute, but we're just leasing until we find what we want to buy a little later. There's certainly no room for a child(ren) here! :)

Cute little Santa.

I got in a crafty mood and wrapped every present with bows and stickers that spelled the recipients name.

Randy got me a sewing machine...something I've wanted for a little while (and NO, I can't sew, but I intend to learn!). Here I am feining surprise....

Randy even did the whole crafty gift-wrap thing just for me! I think he did a pretty good job at it!

At Lori's house (my sister). Nice cheesy-ness going on... :)

Lori's fireplace with all the sock monkey's.

Dinner at my parents on Christmas Day.

You can't imagine how many pictures Priscilla and I have like this! We LOVE us some good dessert!

My aunt Peggy Jean and Mr Miles. This was his first Christmas, too, and he slept through the WHOLE un-wrapping gifts thing! I am so mad that I looked through my pics and this is ALL I got of him on Christmas Day!! Unbelievable!!

At Randy's parents....

At Randy's parents being silly.

Me and my sweets!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T09:37:00.002-06:00

Miles Moment!

2010-12-21T16:59:00.009-06:00

A few nights ago at my dad's birthday dinner, Miles was fighting sleep SO much and I got some cute pics. He just crawled to my aunt Linda's lap and put his head down...but it didn't last once he noticed the camera. He's such a cutie. I can't believe he's almost 9 months old!!

"Sleeping" like an angel....

Oh, wait! Aunt Kassie has the camera!

How fast can I get to it to grab it??!

But I'm sooooooo sleepy....I'm just gonna lay my head down for a sec.

Made it to the birthday guy...AKA Paw-Paw!

Picture of the Week!

2010-12-15T16:11:00.003-06:00

Yeah, it's been AGES since I've done this, but I was uploading pics to my computer and saw this and I HAD to post. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks it's funny?? We were playing the game "Hedbanz" at the Spanish church (Life Tab's daughter work) music Christmas party on Monday night and I snapped this pic of Rebecca Cain. For those who don't know the game, you "are" the person/place/thing that is listed on the card on your headband. You have to ask questions about who/what you are in order to guess. It took her about 3 rounds to get this one. hee hee

Happy Wednesday!

New Camera!

2010-11-19T11:32:00.018-06:00

I was very disheartened last week when my nice camera that I use for Kaspri Photography went kaput! Even more so when I called around town and only one place said they could fix it, but they are in the process of moving right now and couldn't get to it. We have scheduled photo shoots, so that wasn't going to do. SO, I got online and started reading reviews about cameras and found that the one I wanted was on sale! YAY for me! Since I bought the camera, I've been taking random pics, trying to get used to it. Here are some I thought I'd share. Nothing like pics of my two favorite guys! Happy Friday!

Here's Randy, right after I got it. He didn't feel well, so he was trying to rest in the midst of all my camera stuff. And there's Carla Blanchard's camera that she offered to let me borrow when she heard my camera quit on me. She is the SWEETEST!! (I may be buying that one now from her, so I don't get stuck without one again.)

Fixing his hair...Ha!

We went to the park on my birthday last Saturday...it was an absolutely GORGEOUS day! Isn't he handsome???! :)

And now for the Mile-ster! I babysit him several days out of the month and he's the perfect subject for my camera! He's such a sweetie. I love him to pieces!!

Check out that drool!

And one last random picture of pumpkins on our front porch. Love that I have a house to decorate now!!

Thankful

2010-11-10T15:09:00.005-06:00

Finally have a few minutes to update the blog! Hopefully, I can be more faithful to it now! I thought a good thing to kick it off again would be to do what I've seen some others doing on their blogs: Listing what they are Thankful for. Seems fitting for the season....so here's my top 6.

1. I'm thankful for Jesus and his mercy and grace. I would be nothing without Him.

2. I'm thankful for my husband, Randy. (This is the first Thanksgiving I get to say that!!) YIPPEE!! He definitely was given to me by God and he completes me.

3. I'm thankful that I have everything I need. Food, clothes, a house, a car, and the list could go on and on.

4. I'm thankful for my job. It is the best job anyone could ask for. SERIOUSLY. You just don't even know!!!!! I won't go into details in this post, but it was a Godsend and my Aunt Linda is the best boss ever!

5. I'm thankful for my wonderful friends and family (especially my little nephew, Miles...he makes me smile!).

6. I'm so thankful that my health is stable right now. I don't like to say a lot about this....Everything is not always sunshine, but it could be much worse! God is good!

Take time to find the little things (or big things) you're grateful for this holdiay season! You won't have to look far....

And since no post is a post without a picture, I'll leave you with one I just got from the wedding. I only have this one so far because we needed it for the newspaper. Expecting the rest in a couple of weeks. Then I'll share lots!

Photo by Sarah Rizy at Tracy Autem and Lightly Photography Studios, Ft Worth, TX.

Miles Moment :)

2010-06-25T12:22:00.003-05:00

Well, with all the wedding planning and such, haven't had a lot of time to update the ole blog. But I'll leave you with a pic of how Miles REALLY acts. ha! NO, really, he is a good, sweet baby. Just lets you know when he's hungry!

P.S. New posts are up on the Kaspri blog...so take a look if you haven't recently.

Let's All Pause For a "Miles Moment"

2010-05-26T10:39:00.002-05:00

Isn't he sweet? :)

Interesting....

2010-05-23T15:37:00.003-05:00

In my quest to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses that are modest, I ran across this add and found it and the feedback it's gotten quite interesting.

In reading the feedback, I may be a little behind at seeing this ad...it came out in December and has caused quite a fuss. Some like it, some don't. However, I think it sends more than just the "chivalry" signal...but one about men being men and ladies being ladies. Hmmm...kinda sends mixed signals when Dockers is telling men to wear the pants, but they do sell "ladies" pants. Might make one think. Anyhoo...the world keeps turning...

Back to the bridesmaid dress topic, I am surprised at the amount of online stores and blogs pertaining to modesty. And I'm loving the vintage-inspired take on it. It makes me want to start my own clothing line because I think it could work. Save that for a less stressful time in my life... ;) That said, I HAVE come across a dress that I think would be perfect for all those girls who'll be standing with me come September, but the company is checking to see if it's going to be remanufactured. If not...I may have to resort to a good ole' pattern and a sewing machine. NO, not MY sewing machine.

Happy Day All... And in case you all were wondering, MY man is the perfect gentleman. He definitely wears the pants! :)

Feather And Branch Giveaway!

2010-05-21T13:10:00.007-05:00

I read about this giveaway on my friend, Amy's blog (read more about her here and here).

Feather And Branch is a little vintage inspired "whimsical accessories and things" shop owned by Danae. Head over to her blog and enter this giveaway for $30.00 toward any item in her shop. I am dying for these lovely little hairpins. They would look super cute on my bridesmaids for my wedding. YAY!!

Response From Tony Bennett!

2010-05-09T16:05:00.003-05:00

To understand this post, you'll first have to read the one below.

A few days after Randy and I got engaged, a man named Seth, Tony Bennett's personal assistant, emailed Randy and asked for his address, saying he had something to send us. We figured it would be an autographed picture (one just like millions of other people have). On Wednesday of this week, Randy and I got a package in the mail and inside was a signed card from the singer! It was such a thoughtful thing for him to do, and we were thrilled! I just wanted to share pictures. The first is a postcard from Seth, along with the card from Mr Bennett. The second is the inside view of the card.

I am going to make a shadow box of some sort with the card in it. This definitely makes for a memorable proposal story (like it already wasn't...). :)

When You're Having Fun....

2010-04-30T11:56:00.006-05:00

.....Time definitely flies (and my blog suffers).

It's been crazy busy in my life the last month. To update, YES, Miles did arrive on March 29th at 1:33am. He was 8lbs 15oz and was 22 inches long! I was so pumped about getting to be in the delivery room to take pictures. I was behind a curtain for the delivery, but was allowed to take pics as soon as the baby was a little presentable. It was such a beautiful, wonderful experience, and Miles is just perfect!

Next, I was busy preparing last minute details for Life Tabernacle's annual spring concert. It's always a stressful time, but in the end is always so rewarding. The choir was awesome and I was so proud of each of them. They work so hard and endure my cat claws that come out (hopefully they weren't too sharp this year!). The theme was "I Need You", after a song Tye Tribbett does. If you haven't heard the song, go find it and listen! It's incredible! I believe many lives were touched in a big, big way that night.

We've had several things going this week....our annual Ladies' Tea at the church, which my best friend, Priscilla Venegas heads up. She does a great job as the church Ladies' Director. My awesome pastor's wife, Karla Holley, spoke about finding the little things in life that make one happy and unique. I was so glad my friend, Victoria Campbell got to come with me as my special guest. THEN, last night was one of our nights to prepare food and have a service with singing and motivational speaking at our local mission. That is always a rewarding experience. I love how appreciative all of the people who stay at the mission are to the people in our church.

SO, amongst all of this, I have one more event that has really caused me to be extremely busy and has really changed my life....I GOT ENGAGED this week!!! YAY!!! Randy is the most incredible, loving man, that God put on the earth. He treats me like a princess and I am so thankful to have him! We started talking about marriage a couple of months ago, and about a month ago began shopping for a ring. He wanted me to pick several that I liked and he would make the final decision and surprise me (I was adamant about being surprised). SO, the second ring I tried on (at Dove's Jewelers in Wichita Falls) was the one I wanted. It was PERFECT, (and Bobby and Kay Dove are extremely nice people)! However, he made me keep shopping for a month! This past Monday night, we had planned to go to dinner in Dallas and then go to a Tony Bennett concert at the Dallas Symphony Hall. Dallas is 2 hours from the ciy we live in, so he wanted to leave early and "shop" some more for rings. So, we did. We went to 3 or 4 different jewelry stores and I still kept bringing up that special one I really wanted. He would play it off and say "Now, what did that one look like??"...and so on. He did really well in covering. We got all dressed up at his aunt's house and went to dinner at "The Place At Perry's" in downtown Dallas. WONDERFUL FOOD!!!!!! Then, we headed for the concert. For this next part, you have to understand, I was totally excited about the Tony Bennett concert. He is an icon...one of the only ones left from the era he comes from. I LOVE jazz and listen to that type of music constantly. Tony Bennett sings my all-time favorite song: "Just the Way You Look Tonight". I love his version because it's slow and beautiful. Most singers do it a little upbeat. We got to the concert, and sat about 60 feet from Tony in a balcony that was eye level from the stage. It was AMAZING!!! Anyway, in the middle of the concert, Tony started singing my song. It was BEAUTIFUL. I turned to tell Randy..."OH, this is my favorite"...and when I turned, he was getting down on his knee in the floor! He held out a rose with the ring sitting on top of it and asked me to marry him!! It was SO romantic! I said "yes", of course and cried through the next 3 songs!! He then told me my pastor and his wife (who I've known all my life and are great friends), and my best friend, Priscilla, were up in the balcony taking pictures. It was a better proposal than I could have dreamed up. He even made all the ladies sitting around us cry. :) OH, and the ring was that "special" ring. He'd bought it the day I first tried it on and only made me "shop" so I could be surprised!!

I know this has been a long post, but I had so many good things to share! I'm so blessed to have Randy in my life. I love you, Randy! :)

P.S. Randy even sent a hand-written letter to Tony Bennett with a picture of us, telling our story. He asked him to sing my favorite song and if he could, to mention my name. Tony didn't do this, but we know the letter went to "his people" and not directly to Tony. We are hoping maybe he'll get the letter eventually and maybe respond...??? That would be wonderful!

Randy and I after the concert.

The RING!!

HURRY UP, Miles!

2010-03-19T10:31:00.007-05:00

Not much new going on in my world today....still impatiently awaiting the arrival of Miles Hunter Dutton (my brother and sis-in-law's baby). He is expected any day now, and one look at his mom, Kim, and you'd know that for sure! I'm a brat and like to call her names like "Big Momma" and I remind her constantly that she has a big bump on her belly and she should probably get that checked out....Yeah, yeah...not funny. :p But seriously, the showers have been given, the nursery is ready, everything is (kind of) in order, so he can feel free to show up anytime now.....I'm leaving town next Thursday and I just KNOW that's when baby is going to decide to make his grand appearance. Leave it to a DUTTON to be contrary and ornery. Anyway, HURRY UP, Miles! Aunt Kassie is waiting.....

I know this isn't the photography blog, but OH WELL. Here's some pics from a recent shoot Kaspri did with Lynn & Kim.

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

2010-03-12T11:02:00.005-06:00

Today, my oldest niece, Jessica Lauren Parker, is turning 19! I can't believe she is this old...seems like yesterday I was sitting in my 8th grade math class, impatiently waiting for the bell to ring so I could leave and head to the hospital to see her for the first time!

I was cleaning out some drawers last week and ran across something she did that I think is cute and thought I'd share here. For those who don't know (AHEM, although I've mentioned her here before!), I have an aunt (Aunt Linda), who is Jessica's great aunt. Aunt Linda is also my boss....the BEST BOSS IN THE WORLD! :) Have I ever mentioned I have the best job EVER??? Anyway, Aunt Linda has no children of her own, and has always spoiled us all rotten. SO, when we were young, we all spent many, many nights at Uncle Don's and Aunt Linda's house. What I'm going to share here is a "sleepover list" Jessica made one time when she was getting ready to go to Aunt Linda's house. My favorite things on the list are "don't spend money on dum stuff. Linda will buy you something." HA! Anyone who knows Linda, knows that that is the TRUTH! Also, the line..."call folks and see how they are doing". What 9 year old refers to their parents as "folks" these days??

Here's a picture I took just this week of Jessica and Linda. Sorry, it's a little blurry. :)

I'm so proud of Jessica. This picture is one I took last year just before her high school graduation. She is now almost through her first year of college.

One more! I snapped this picture of Jessica last summer. For some reason, I love it. I love how she was unaware and she's just sitting there in thought. Love you, Jessica! Happy Birthday!

Owl Giveaway!

2010-02-24T11:12:00.004-06:00

Yes, it's been a while since I've blogged...life has really gotten in the way (how dare it!). :p But alas, here I am and wanted to share the news about this great giveaway on the blog, Whimsical Creations. I actually first read about it on my friend, Amy Miraflor's blog (thanks, Amy!). Being intrigued with cute little owls myself, I had to check it out. April Foss makes these super cute things and sells them in her shop on Etsy.com (one of my all time favorite websites). I'd love to win one, but I foresee buying one for my new nephew, who is due to grace us with his presence in March. His nursery is decorated in a modern owl theme. If you'd like to enter the giveaway, head on over to the Whimsical Creations blog. WHHHOOOOOO knows? You might win (but I hope I do...)! ;)

This is the one she is giving away.

And this one is my favorite!

I think this little couple is fabulously cute, too!

Photography Blog Updated

2010-01-11T16:22:00.001-06:00

Take a look at a couple of new posts on Kaspri's blog.

Check This Out!

2010-01-06T16:53:00.005-06:00

My very sweet and suddenly very crafty friend, Amy, who thought she didn't have a crafty bone in her body has come up with a really cute idea. She had tried to think of a fun way to make some extra money and came up with these super cute hoodies! She is having a drawing for a free hoodie if you leave a comment on her blog. I'm hoping this post qualifies me for an extra entry!!! :) :) :) (For some reason, the link isn't showing up, but if you click on her name, it'll take you to her blog)

Here's a pic of the one I want...the "Whimsy".

Christmas Eve Blizzard 2009

2010-01-02T23:07:00.004-06:00

I got up on Christmas Eve to a winter wonderland and before long, the winds were blowing so hard that the weather service announced we were in a full-fledged blizzard! Before it was all over, we had 15-16 inches in my little town! This is the first time in MY lifetime that this has happened here. We normally get maybe an inch or two of snow (or ICE, rather) every year, and usually in January or February. More on this later, but wanted to leave you a picture of my parents house (ahem...also where I reside). :) Isn't it pretty?! I love the cold and the snow...however, getting snowed IN is not the greatest...especially when it ruins Christmas for a lot of people. This was definitely a Christmas we will never forget!

Happy Veteran's Day!

2009-11-11T09:37:00.004-06:00

I believe we should honor those who have served (and are currently serving) the grand ole' USA, particularly in a time where personally, I think they are not honored as much as they used to be (by ordinary citizens AND those in leadership over the nation). I like to remember the time when the president was proud to wear a flag on his lapel and would have proudly presented proof of citizenship if the question arose. A time when the first lady wasn't proud to be an American only after she became famous and was in the running to be the first lady. I can guarantee you, the ones who are proud to be Americans are those who risked their lives, those who've been injured, those who live with the horrible memories and sickenesses and disease caused from war. THEY are the ones who know what a privelege and honor it is to live in a country where we are free. And they can rest in the fact that THEY are the ones who bought the freedom. Thank you to all who serve and have served in the past. Thank you to those who have died. And thank you to my own hero, my Dad, Larry, who served in Vietnam. I like to look at the case displayed in his house that proudly holds the American flag and is lined with medals. He even has a Purple Heart. He was sent home after a serious injury from stepping on a landmine. He has lived with the effects of that injury, the effects of horrible memories, the effects of Agent Orange and the list could go on and on. The world needs more people like him....He will proudly wear the flag, stand for the National Anthem and tear up when he hears "God Bless the USA". And he would proudly hand over proof of citenzship because he wouldn't want to be from anywhere else in this world! Daddy, you are the best.

Photography

2009-11-04T23:55:00.001-06:00

New pics of Annabelle are up on Kaspri's blog. Check them out!

Details, Details

2009-10-21T11:00:00.005-05:00

I read A LOT of blogs, especially photography blogs. They are a great way to keep up with the latest and greatest of everything, and the photography blogs make me dream about the kind of photographer I would love to be MANY expensive lenses down the road. :) I have my favorites. Jasmine Star is way up there, Amy Wenzel, Blue Lily,...and my list could go on and on. One of my favorites is Scott Andrew Shoemake. I was catching up today and saw a post of a wedding that had so many details!! All of this said to share this picture he took of the bride in a bathroom at the mother of the groom's house. I love the bride's dress (very different and pretty), but what really got my attention was the BATHTUB!! I love claw foot tubs and this one is just over the top. Check it out! Isn't it the cutest tub ever??

Count Down!

2009-10-20T11:16:00.008-05:00

Just a few count downs to some very important dates!

24 days until we find out whether Lynn & Kim's "Cletus the Fetus" truly is a "Cletus"......or will it be a "Clet-a"??!!!!!!

24 days until my 33rd birthday!! Woot! (Getting older is much better than the other option.)

37 days until Thanksgiving!

38 days until my NYC trip!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!

54 days until the annual Christmas concert at Life Tab....this is scary! :)

66 days until Christmas! (You all really wanted to know this, huh?)

And because all posts have to have a picture, here's a random one I took of a t-shirt in Estes Park, Co. Happy Day!

So SUE me.

2009-10-17T23:27:00.005-05:00

I can post whatever I want...besides, it's been a while! :)

Heidi Ann eating Oreo's at Jeremy & Rebecca's wedding.

Stationery

2009-10-09T14:33:00.007-05:00

If there's anything that I collect, it would have to be unique stationery. Maybe because it's great "eye candy" or maybe because it really is fun to send and receive. I could spend hours looking through piles of it in a store, or searching online for the perfect set of cards and envelopes. I have a dresser drawer crammed full of it. I must admit I don't write the cards as much as I used to, but it's still fun. I received a sweet little card in the mail this week (thanks, Amy)and remembered how much I love receiving cards in the mail, as well as sending them. Sometimes, I even make my own. :) Here's a few pictures of handmade stationery that I "heart" on Etsy (one of my favorite websites).

P.S. It's always proper to send Thank You notes for a gift or a good deed done...do parents still teach this?

Design By: Joom

Design By: Siska Studio

Design By: Ink Spot Workshop

Design By: Ink Spot Workshop

Design By: Ink Spot Workshop

Design By: Ink Spot Workshop

Design By: Stationery Boutique

Design By: Stories Divinations

Design By: L7 Designs

Design By: Marisol Spoon

Design By: The Sweet Unfolding

Posting Larger Pictures on Blogspot

2009-09-28T21:28:00.005-05:00

A couple of people have asked me me how I get larger pics on blogspot, so thought I'd make a post of it and try to make it easier than the way I learned. Hope this helps!

So far, the only downside to this is that you have to use the Minima Stretch template for your layout in order for there to be a big enough area for larger pictures, which means most of the cute little pre-made backgrounds won't work (there are a few...). Some of the backgrounds made as 3 column layouts will show just on the edges. :)

1. Go to layout - pick new template - minima stretch.

2. Make a new post and upload a picture.

3. After the picture is uploaded, you'll see the html code under "Edit HTML". Approximately in the middle of the code, you'll see: hand;width: 400px; height: 374px; (obviously this is an example. The numbers could be different). Delete this bit of html code.

4. Next, find the part of code that looks like this (again, could be different numbers): /s400/. It's right before the file name the picture is saved under. Change the number to one of the following: 576 or 640. I always use s640...the bigger the better, right??

5. Publish post!

Once you get the hang of this, it only takes a few seconds. If anyone tries this and it won't work, let me know. :)

And because no post is a post without a pic, here's a fine example. (And yes, that's my pastor in the middle!)

The Perfect Cup of Hot Cocoa!

2009-09-24T14:23:00.004-05:00

About this time of year, I always get a craving for yummy hot cocoa. My BFF, Priscilla, insists that I make the best cup (isn't she nice?). I have to admit, I think it tops Starbucks. :) Not because I came up with it, because I surely did not. But I do "tweak" things a lot to make them my own. Priscilla said I should have put the recipe in the new church cookbook (which she headed up the making of and did a fabulous job). Since I did not do that, I am sharing the recipe here. It is the perfect thing to warm the soul on a chilly, rainy day like today. And it really does taste better if you have an "authentic Parisian mug" straight from the Eiffel Tower to drink it from. Woot! (Sorry, I don't have any of these available and I'm not giving mine away) ;)

The Perfect Cup of Hot Cocoa (Kassie's Tweaked Version)

1 cup hot milk (preferably lactose free for the weak in stomach like myself!)
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp Hershey's Cocoa (natural unsweetened)
1 "smidgeon" of salt (a smidgeon is a very small amount)
2 "smidgeons" of cinnamon
Stir up the dry ingredients in a mug, then pour in the hot milk.
1 teensy bit of vanilla extract (a teensy bit is a little more than two smidgeons)
Stir very well to keep from getting chocolate fudge clumps in the bottom of the mug. Fudge is good, but not clumps in a drink. Eww...
1 scoop of whipped cream plopped on the top (much better if it's frozen), dusted with cinnamon...and....
VOILA!
There's your perfect cup of hot cocoa!
Enjoy!! (It'll be even better when it snows!!)

Picture of the Week

2009-09-22T12:26:00.003-05:00

I know it's been a long time since I've done a pic of the week, but this one just rises to the occasion. A little blurry, but classic face at the fear of getting burned! Happy Tuesday and Happy Fall, Y'all!

It's A Hoot!

2009-09-14T16:07:00.004-05:00

A few months ago, I became intrigued with owls...cute little owls. On a trip to Anthropologie (one of my favorite places on earth), I saw the cutest vintage- inspired ceramic owls. Suddenly, after that, everywhere I looked I saw owls. Including my own back yard where they swoop down and steal innocent little kittens. I don't like those mean ole things. ANYHOOO, I am referring to the decorative type (as if you didn't already know that). SO, isn't it just fitting with all the rage of these cute hoots that Kim and Lynn (ahem..mostly KIM), would decide to decorize their nursery in OWLS. I have definitely been on the look out for cute ones. SO, just last week on my trip to Colorado to see Jason, Misty and the boys, Misty and I stumbled across the cutest owl stuff in a quaint store (Granny Gingham) in Estes Park. I'm sharing pictures of my latest purchases. :D The first is a super soft blanket, the second is a plush little rattle. Too cute! OH-and Lynn is already whining about how Christmas is SOOO not going to be focused on him. Waaa.

Spam

2009-09-01T11:07:00.004-05:00

For those leaving spam comments on my posts, you can stop already. Really. I'm sorry Michael Jackson died, I'm sorry about flooding in Taiwan, and I love chocolate, but don't need it from you. I don't read/understand the comments in Chinese/Japanese. Whether the comment is in a language that is foreign to me, or in English, I'm not going to take your bait and click to see whatever it is you want me to see or whatever you're trying to get me to buy. So, unless you are trying to give me a million dollars, please stop. This is said with all my love. Happy Day. :)

NO MORE SPAM!!!!!

Sometimes, When You Grow Up.....

2009-08-24T22:21:00.002-05:00

....YOU REALIZE:

1. the world doesn't revolve around you.
2. God's mercy really is new every morning.
3. it truly is better to give than to receive.
4. there are more important things than a purse with big "C's" on it.
5. someone has always got it worse than you do.
6. it's not cool to have a pity party (even though you sometimes do).
7. when in leadership, someone is always going to dislike you.
8. when you hit a rough spot, who your true friends are.
9. someone in the church mistreating you doesn't give you the right to walk out on God.
10. you live for God, not people.
11. even when you don't feel like getting up in the morning, it's better to fight than to let "it" beat you.
12. you were put on the earth for a purpose.
13. there's no better feeling than when you make someone's day.
14. being faithful to church is not a question.
15. waitresses have bad days, too.
16. when someone with cancer rarely misses church, it really is the greatest inspiration.
17. you should go out of your way to be nice to the elderly - what goes around comes around.
18. when you see the big picture, all those "little things" don't matter so much.
19. that being able to dream and laugh in the face of a trial is often what keeps you going.
20. that if you can dish it, you sure better be able to take it!
21. the faucets with running water and the soap is in the restroom for a reason. HELLO.
22. there's no testimony without a trial.
23. you should always try to help someone in need...even if they don't appreciate it.
24. sometimes...you just need to grow up! :)

Pondering...

2009-08-16T14:48:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wanted something and then had an "ah-ha moment" and realized what you thought you wanted isn't really what you wanted, because what you originally wanted really wasn't all that great? Was just thinking about that and since it's MY blog I figured if I wanted, I could write what I wanted because I own this blog and can do what I want. :) Happy Day, all. And here's to "ah-ha moments" and doing what you want! (within reason, of course) :D

New Blog for Kaspri Photography

2009-08-04T10:40:00.002-05:00

Well, Kaspri finally has a blog set up. We have a few appointments coming up, so keep checking back! www.kaspriphotography.blogspot.com

Good Stuff. Part Two.

2009-08-03T11:07:00.009-05:00

Well, this post is a little longer in coming than I had intended, but what else is new? :) Regardless, it will contain good stuff!

I am terribly excited that Lynn & Kim are having their first baby (good stuff), most likely due the end of March. It can't get here too fast! It's been nearly twelve years since there's been a baby in the family. We've been waiting on this for a while now! The scary part is that this will be the first neice/nephew born when Aunt Kassie is employeed!! YEAH! To celebrate the good news, I went shopping the day after we heard the news. In all my years of shopping for babies, I realized I always knew the gender of the baby, and found it fairly hard to find something that was not gender specific. BUT, I prevailed! Here's a pic so all can see! I may have to post everything I buy so I can keep track of when I'm going overboard! :) I wish the picture was bigger, but I got it off the internet. The top says "Made You Smile" and the little duck on the pants is actually on the seat of the pants. Can't you just see that over a chubby diaper? Ok, enough already.

Good Stuff. Part One.

2009-07-28T17:05:00.014-05:00

The last week has had some good stuff going on....

With more than 250 registered, The Life Tabernacle 1960's-70's Homecoming was really good stuff! It's always great to see old friends and aquaintances...I'm so glad I got to be a part of the homecoming. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful slide show Bro Gene put together. I think I enjoyed the reactions to the pictures more than the pictures themselves. I also enjoyed everyone who sang, especially my mom and dad. I haven't heard them sing in MANY years. They pulled out the old faithful "Thank God I am Free". Saturday night was great when Sis Joyce Gentry sat down at the Holley's piano and started playing and singing. Those who were there joined in, singing old songs from back then (and I actually knew most of them!). :) I was shocked that EVERYONE in the room could sing and remembered the way the old choir songs were sung. It sounded so pretty! Everything was topped off with great church on Sunday with preaching by Dr James Hughes and J R Ensey (the first pastor I really remember having). I only wish everyone could have stayed here longer! I'll post a few pics I took...

Bro Danny Johnson

Bro Danny & Sis Barbara Johnson

Sis Ensey

Michael Anglin & Todd Shahan

Randy Pounds

Bro Randy Ensey

Life Christian Academy Alumni

Lynn telling me their line was "out of forks"....Like I was supposed to do something about it.

Bro Kenny Prince

Shelli Bradley & my Aunt Linda

Brad Cash & Jeff Boyd

Jeff & Jeannie Harris

J D & Theresa Barnes

Janet Anglin

Love this pic of Carla Clark!

Great pastor! He formed the idea and made it happen.

My mom & dad (Larry & Norma Dutton...) with Joyce Gentry playing the keyboard.

TIRED after a long, but great weekend. :)

Awesome pastor's wife who LOVES her some chocolate! (don't we all??)

Love this one, too....Sis Judy King

"The Gentry Girls" :) with Jeff Pounds & Joyce Gentry.

Bro J R Ensey

Riverdance!

2009-07-13T15:30:00.003-05:00

James Cain made this and it gave me a good laugh. Had to share!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Playing with Photoshop

2009-07-03T14:08:00.008-05:00

I don't have interesting things running through my head to blog about daily, nor do I have fictional friends to blog about and where they've been on vacation and what family reunions they've attended and weddings they've been to...etc, etc. But there is a person who thinks I need to update my blog because the last post is just WAY too old. SO, this person who thinks I need to update my blog will just have to settle for something far less interesting....PHOTOSHOP! woot woot! (I'm not naming any names, ahem, but if you don't care to read on, you may want to go here to read about THIS PERSON and their fictional friend.)

ANYWAY, I got some new applications for Photoshop and was playing around with some, so just thought I'd share before and afters of some pics from my Europe trip last year. They give a little bit of an antique/old school feel. I heart Photoshop! :)

Before and after of a little restaurant in Garmisch, Germany.

Along the River Seine, Paris, France.

A lovely lamp post in Venice, Italy.

Shannon took this pic on her iPhone of me going to the "toilettes" in a train station. Verona, Italy. I guess I wasn't going alone.... :)

The Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France.

An apartment building and street sign, Paris, France.

And last...one of the greatest sights I've EVAH seen...the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France.

Baby Laughing

2009-06-24T11:29:00.001-05:00

I know this is a couple of years old, but I have to watch it every once in a while because it's so cute!

Hmmm....

2009-06-23T22:37:00.003-05:00

I think I am suffering from bloggers block. There is not one interesting thing floating around in my head. Well, besides TALKING IN ALL CAPS AND COLONOSCOPIES. Other than that, NOTHING. ZILCH. Not that I'm having a colonoscopy. So flush that idea out of your mind.

But seriously...nothing wonderful to blog about lately. So I will just leave you with a random picture and I hope everyone is having a grand week. Cheerio!

Support Sasha

2009-06-08T10:04:00.002-05:00

I am posting a link about a friend of a friend. My friend told me this story and asked me to pray for Sasha Denman. She was severely burned a little over a week ago when a gel candle/bowl of some sort blew up and ignited her face, neck and arms. You can read her story and get updates at www.supportsasha.blogspot.com.

You May Have to Kiss A Lot of Frogs.....

2009-05-21T22:22:00.008-05:00

....Before you find that prince! :)

Kaspri took Jeremy & Rebecca's engagements a couple of weeks ago. We went to the Dallas Arboretum, which is beautiful, and then to the mustangs in Las Colinas. We had a great day hanging out and having fun. Rebecca told me last night that she keeps checking my blog to see if I've posted any of their pics (we've been a little busy and they've not seen any of the pics yet). We are still editing some, but here's a few that I like. Enjoy, Rebecca...and BTW, I think the "frog" pic turned out cute. Glad we found them! :)

A Random Picture

2009-05-13T15:48:00.004-05:00

See...I come by it honestly. :)

First Photos of Before/After Face Transplant

2009-05-06T09:17:00.003-05:00

I found this very interesting and touching. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30586321/wid/11915773?GT1=31037 If you scroll down through the story, there's a picture of what Connie Culp looked like before her injury. She was called a monster by a child and is quoted:
“When somebody has a disfigurement and don’t look as pretty as you do, don’t judge them, because you never know what happened to them,” she said. “Don’t judge people who don’t look the same as you do. Because you never know. One day it might be all taken away.”

AMEN!

Picture of the Week

2009-04-02T20:29:00.004-05:00

??????

Someone in charge should really let Lynn know he can use a chair...or even stand up when he plays...Looks very uncomfortable.

www.kaspriphotography.com!

2009-03-31T23:01:00.004-05:00

Kaspri finally has a new website ready. Go check us out! :) www.kaspriphotography.com

Had To Post.....

2009-03-27T11:18:00.002-05:00

Alright, I just had to post a couple of these pics. Pris and I went out with the Cooks on Tuesday and took a lot of pics. I hope they don't mind that I post a couple of my favorites so far..... :) They were a lot of fun!
Just and FYI...our new website should be ready in just a few day! Can't wait for y'all to see it.

Trust me....we were up to NO good!

2009-03-22T23:19:00.001-05:00

Happy 18th, Jessica!!

2009-03-12T23:04:00.002-05:00

Just want to wish my niece a Happy Birthday....only about an hour left, but not too late to say it! You are beautiful and I love you, Jessica!

Pic of the Week

2009-02-11T09:38:00.004-06:00

I'm definitely going through internet/computer withdrawals as my home computer has a virus or something wrong with it and had to be taken to the doctor. It is still with the doctor...... :( SO, I am at work and figure I could update the good ole blog-a-roo here. I don't have many pics on this computer, but I did steal one from my aunt Linda Joyce's site on Everyone's Apostolic. This one happens to be of my mom, me with a doll that I'm sure was a Christmas present, and my late great aunt, Geneva. I think I actually still have the doll in the top of my closet somewhere....I have a different pic of several members of the family that I thought of posting, but Lynn is standing in nothing but a diaper and I'm not sure if that crosses the picture war-zone line. ;) He would be sure to pay me back in a not-so-pleasant way. lol (But come to think of it, I probably owe him one for that stupid pic he put up a long time ago of me looking through the holes in a cow head...) Anyhoo...enjoy. And pray that the home computer's illness is nothing life threatening. Ha! ;-)

Slick Hair, Anyone?

2009-01-30T11:00:00.005-06:00

The other night several of us were over at Misty and Jason's after church and Priscilla asked Eddie if he had tried to slick Heidi's hair to match his own (the subject of Eddie's hair could be written about extensively in an entirely different post, but I will refrain...ha!). He said he hadn't, then went into the bathroom and came out with results I thought you might like to see. Like father like daughter!

I can't finish this post without wishing Miss Heidi Ann a HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!!!!! I can't believe she is already one year old today! I will redeem her with a nice picture to show the world how cute she actually is. ;)

Ok, I couldn't post just one! :)

Pic of the Week

2009-01-28T13:20:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite senior pics of Ayrian Boyd taken by Kaspri. :) The trees in Lucy Park were gorgeous that day!

Pic of the Week!

2009-01-22T16:43:00.001-06:00

Ok, going to try and be faithful with this again...

This is my brother-in-law...I don't exactly know what he was doing...

Out with the FREE stuff!

2009-01-19T11:38:00.002-06:00

Ok, some of you are probably wondering why I haven't updated the website as promised....Well, every time I try, something messes up with the stupid thing and I can't post. That's what we get for trying to use FREE stuff. SO, forget it! HMPH! We are looking at some nice websites and hopefully, will have one in the next few weeks. I'll letcha know when we have one up and running! And Lori, don't worry, your lovely pics will have a spot on our new place, too. :)

Kaspri Photography!

2009-01-06T20:50:00.002-06:00

I guess most of you have heard by now that Priscilla and I have a name for our photography business. Lynn is very proud that he came up with Kaspri Photography (Kuh-Spree). We kinda like it and we are official and everything. SOOO, anyway, we are in the process of setting up a website. It's not anything fancy, by any stretch of the imagination, but it will do until we get on our feet. :) Now before you go looking for a lot of new pics, it's taking me a while, so there's only one post so far under "Bridal". Hopefully, we will get more posted this week. We have some pictures all of you haven't seen yet. Be looking for more of the Holley's from their photo shoot last summer, and more recent ones of the Jordan's, the Bean's and the Isom's, along with my some senior pics of Ayrian Boyd and Michael Peterson (my nieces boyfriend). Take a look at www.kaspriphotography.com!

Thanks to all those who have been our Guinea Pigs! :)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:55:00.007-06:00

I trust everyone had a happy Christmas as this day is drawing to a close. I am stuffed beyond imagination and now think I will sleep quite well tonight....It's been a very good day.

This year seems to be the year for hats, gloves and scarves. My Aunt Betty got my mom and their other sister, Linda, matching sets and I had to get a picture. I don't know if I've ever seen my mom put on a hat!

Ethan, my nephew, decided to MAKE gifts for Kim, Lynn, Priscilla and myself. He is so crafty. Look for yourself...aren't these hats too cute??! We all had to pose in them. Lynn kind of looks like he belongs with the Shriners....

Just wanted to share some pics. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

My mom, Linda, Betty

Lynn, Kim, Pris, Me

It was a pretty day for playing even if we did look silly!

Perfect!

2008-12-22T22:51:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to share with everyone that after 16 years of driving, I FINALLY parallel parked perfectly! Here's the pics to prove it. ;)

Picture of the Week! (gasp!)

2008-11-21T12:31:00.003-06:00

Don't anyone faint....I know....I haven't posted in awhile, much less done the pic of the week. But here you go. I ran across this and thought it was worthy of being posted. This is my mom on the left (Norma Jean...who was named after Marilyn Monroe for those who don't know....Blogs are SO educational these days), and my Aunt Betty Cash. I think it's a cute pic!

Jessica's Senior Pictures

2008-11-03T13:29:00.007-06:00

I said I would post some of Jessica's senior pics, and I'm just getting around to it, but better late than never. It was hard to pick my favorites...this is just a few! Priscilla and I had a lot of fun photographing Jessica and it very easy because she giggled constantly. She is so pretty...maybe I'm biased, but it's the truth! :)The last three are of her with her boyfriend, Michael. We also took his pics, which we will post on a new blog as soon as we get some details lined up. :)

Be VERY Afraid!!!

2008-10-31T11:31:00.004-05:00

I must warn each of you to be on the look-out for witches this Halloween. You never know where they may appear, and sometimes they are disguised so well that you never know they are in your presence! OHH-scary! However, I am revealing ones identity today so that you may all RUUUUN if you see her coming! But run fast....Her new broom and the sleek design of her new hat lets her travel pretty quickly!

Ok, seriously people, there really aren't witches that fly around on brooms! Come on! This is really a Happy Birthday wish to Janet Anglin. My dad always teases her about being a witch since she was born on Halloween, so this year, my parents got her a cute hat and broom. Party on, sistuh....(maybe you can do that dance with your arms that was popular when I was a kid....sometimes you bust out with that in choir and for more than one reason, it is too funny...)! ;) Anyway, I'll be looking for your shadow across the moon tonight. Keep that witches brew a brewin'! HAPPY HOWL-OWEEN!!! oooowwwwww

Texas State Fair

2008-10-22T22:57:00.011-05:00

Congratulations! You are reading my 100th post. Just thought you might want to know.... ;)

I must apologize for not posting a picture of the week last week....Time just got away.....

Last Saturday, Lynn, Kim, Joseph, Brandon, Priscilla and myself went to Dallas to the state fair. We had a really good time. I always like to go to the fair. Great food and fun exhibits to visit. If you've ever been to the fair, you know it's famous for fried food of any kind. This year, I had fried corn on the cob (fantastic), fried smores (yumo), and a famous Fletcher's Corn Dog drenched in mustard. OH, yes, I stole a few of Kim's fried pickles, too. :) I always overeat at the fair and then feel really gross when I leave....but it's worth it for all that good food! Anyway, my favorite exhibit is the car show, and I like the petting zoo. The little (or big)animals are so cute! We also made it to the pig races this year. That was too cute, but my pics didn't turn out too well. Here's a few pics from the day:

BIG TEX!

Lynn looking a little cheesy....I won't tell you what he was laughing at

Dancing Mexican Ladies....

Pris, Me, Kim...and Joseph always has to sneak into every GIRL ONLY pic!

Too cool for this hummer.... yeah right.... ;)

I WANT THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The babies were the cutest!

Very Pretty!

Picture of the Week!

2008-10-11T23:19:00.003-05:00

Awwww, Trevon made friends with Chandler and Jorgie....(Lynn & Kim's babies, in case you didn't know).

Time for a "Heidi-Post" :)

2008-10-08T13:03:00.006-05:00

Last night we had a ladies meeting, which was a soup and sandwich dinner, along with signing up to help on new committees for different events we will be having. I have to say Kim's Zuppa Toscana soup (Olive Garden recipe) was FABULOUS! Also, Priscilla did a great job at her very first meeting as the Ladies of Life (LOL) leader. GO PRISCILLA! WOO-HOOOOO!! Anyway, as we were fellowshipping, some of the young ladies told me it was time for a "Heidi-Post". I have soooo many pictures of Miss Heidi Ann. SO, here you go LADIES, some cute ones....

Picture of the Week!

2008-10-04T23:27:00.002-05:00

Today, Priscilla and I took Senior pictures for Jessica (my niece), and her boyfriend, Michael. We had a lot of fun running around town, finding interesting places to take pictures. We stopped at a fountain and when the wind gusted, the water blew in Jessica's face and I got this cute shot of her. She was one of the easiest poeple to photograph so far....So many different expressions and she couldn't stop smiling or laughing! :) I will post more pics of both of them after we get some editing done!

Yumo and Yucko

2008-10-02T15:26:00.008-05:00

Surprise, surprise! A post from ME!

I just couldn't resist sharing the goodness that I have found this week at Starbuck's! Of course, I am an addict as most of you already know, but this week they have added new hot chocolates to the menu. I've always thought they have good hot chocolate (although I make a pretty good cup at home), but these are YUUU-MO! There's the Signature Hot Chocolate, the Salted Caramel, and the Hazelnut. They are made with four different types of cocoa. I have tried the Salted Caramel and the Hazelnut. I can't say I like one over the other because they are both great! Of course, if you don't think you'd like any of these, you should try the plain hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint and three extra pumps of chocolate!! MMM-MMM And I am drooling at this moment.....NO, it's not because I am craving one of these scrumptious hot chocolates. It's because I just got home from the dentist and my mouth, along with the whole left side of my face is numb. YUUUCK-O! I normally don't mind trips to the dentist, but this one was not particularly fun. :) I do have a really nice dentist, though. However, a couple of times he leaned across me and his arm hairs went in my nose, causing a big tickle(ewww). Now this might not have been TOO big a deal if I weren't suffering horribly from seasonal allergies right now, but since I am, it wasn't good. So I'm sitting there with all this equipment in my mouth, glasses over my eyes and can't get my hands to my face to rub my itching nose! I was afraid I was going to sneeze and I could just see all of the equipment in my mouth flying out and spit and who knows what else landing on the dentist and his trusty assistant! Luckily, the tickling passed without all of the fanfare. I don't know if you all know, but I am fanatical about teeth. And you'll see what a good job my dentist did on my teeth with these before and after pics. What a difference a day makes.... :)

BEFORE

AFTER

Sure am glad I go to the dentist! Anyway, make sure you try the new flavors at Starbuck's. And for those who drink coffee frequently, visit your dentist for some bleach. :) CHEERIO! :)

Pic of the Week!

2008-09-27T23:42:00.002-05:00

What can I say?? I needed a model and there weren't any little girls with the right size head to put the hat on....Joseph made a cute model anyhow, even if we didn't get the hat to sit right.

Picture of the Week

2008-09-22T13:33:00.002-05:00

OK, ok, I'm apologizing again....I missed last weeks picture of the week! HOW COULD I?? Anyway, I was sick for the majority of the week with some awful cold that made me talk like a man. Thank goodness that's over! By the time I was well on Saturday, I completely forgot to blog! HOW COULD I?? So, here we are, better late than never! This lady used to take us kids to youth camp every summer. I think she still makes the trip every now and then hauling youth campers. Janet sure was a fun one to travel with!! :) BTW...I'm lovin' the glasses!

Picture of the Week!

2008-09-13T23:16:00.002-05:00

Too cute! I don't think I have to say anymore about this one! :)

2008-09-11T15:18:00.000-05:00

FYI

2008-09-09T15:01:00.002-05:00

I added a link to the post below to Carla Blanchard's blog. I ran into her today and she let me know she posted some pics she took at the wedding Saturday. :)

Finally!

2008-09-08T21:41:00.017-05:00

Priscilla and I took some pictures a few weeks ago of Amber and I FINALLY get to post them since the wedding is over. We were not really her hired photographers (go here to see some wedding pics by Carla Blanchard), we just did these for fun to get some more practice and to add to a portfolio. These are just a few of my favorites. Hopefully, we will have a photography blog soon. :) Thanks, Amber, for letting us practice on you. You were beautiful!

Pic of the Week

2008-09-06T23:33:00.002-05:00

I had another picture to post, but after looking at all 150+ pictures I took today for fun at Amber and Zach's wedding, I couldn't resist posting this one of Eddie! :)

Pic of the Week

2008-08-30T23:21:00.005-05:00

Well, I know I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks. I've been to Austin for a few days and then this week has been CRAZY busy with parties and such for Amber (the bride-to-be!). Anyway, thanks to the faithful readers who have asked me what in the world I've been up to that has kept me from blogging! :) Here's a new pic! I think I took this the night I got my digital Rebel. I kept taking up-close pics of Lynn and I think he was really tired of it! lol

And here's another one for FREE since I didn't post one last week! :) Love my new pastor.... lol

Pic of the Week

2008-08-16T23:36:00.002-05:00

Anyone who knows Ondrea knows that it is not an easy task to get a picture of her. Joe stepped in to help on this one!

Pic of the Week

2008-08-09T22:15:00.003-05:00

This is what Priscilla and I walked right up on in the parking lot at Bed, Bath & Beyond today. Luckily, it was dead! :)

Picture of the Week

2008-08-02T23:33:00.002-05:00

I love this picture of Kim and Katie (Kim's niece...). Katie is so cute and smart! She can say my name perfectly and asks to speak to "her Kassie" when she's on the phone with Kim. Most of you saw how cute she was when she was visiting and ran to the front of the church to "give in the offering" (as they do in her home church and that's what she thought she was supposed to do). Kim was trailing not far behind her and I think her face turned just a few shades of red. :)

Thanks!

2008-07-31T13:57:00.003-05:00

I have finally gotten 15,000 hits on my blog. Just want to say thanks to any and all who read! :) If I don't know who you are...I'd love for you to leave me a comment. (Niceness preferred, of course!) :)

Pic of the Week

2008-07-26T23:36:00.003-05:00

It's really sad that this is the only blogging I've done lately...but at least I'm faithful with something! :)

This weeks' photo is the lovely Karen after she scared someone to death with her "rattlesnake eggs". For those who don't know, this is a small paper bag with a picture of a rattlesnake on the outside. You go around and try to get people to look at the eggs inside and when they agree and open the flap, "ZAP!!", it gets ya! Some people literally think they've been bitten! We laughed really hard that night! :)

Picture of the Week!

2008-07-19T23:56:00.002-05:00

Looks like our Childrens Ministry Leader was swallowed by a Dinosaur yesterday on the field trip!!! He fought a good fight and hopefully made it out alive.....

Picture of the Week!

2008-07-13T00:01:00.004-05:00

Technically I guess this isn't making it for pic of the week because it's a few minutes after midnight....but I haven't gone to bed yet, so I'm making it count!

Just found this one on my computer.... hmmmm.......

Another Day Taking Pictures!

2008-07-08T21:45:00.015-05:00

A few weeks ago, Priscilla and I went out on the town with Lori to take some pictures of her in her wedding gown. I'm just getting to it because I couldn't post them til after the wedding. Anyway, it was around 100 degrees that day and we were jumping in and out of the car wherever we decided looked like a good spot to take pics. Thanks to Lori for letting us do this. I know we aren't professional's, but we'd love to be and this will add to our "portfolio". :) I'll just share a few of my favorites. I can't share all 493 pics we took! lol My favorite favorite favorite ones were taken in Starbuck's. That's where Lori & John met the first time. Enjoy!

Picture of the Week

2008-07-05T22:15:00.004-05:00

Ok, I know it looks as if this is the only blogging I am going to do, but it's not. I have been SO busy!! This picture is barely making it in time for the week. I just got home yesterday afternoon from youth camp. I helped sing in the praise group (thanks to Julie Ouellette for asking!), and came home a day early for Lori's wedding.

The picture of the week is of my new nieces (Alex, Rebecka & Kymberlee) with my "old" nieces and nephew....ha! ;) My new nieces are beautiful (as are the "old" ones...). I was pretending to complain to them that I now have four new people added to my Christmas list (the three girls and their dad). They laughed and their response was telling me when their birthdates are! LOL :) Guess I shouldn't have opened my mouth!

Rebecka, Jessica, Ethan, Alexandria (Alex), Kymberlee & Madison

Picture of the Week

2008-06-26T22:52:00.003-05:00

Since this is MY blog, I make the rules and this is a rule about Picture of the Week: It doesn't have to be from THIS week. It's just any random pic that I decide should be Picture of the Week! :)

Ok, so here's the picture for this week...and don't ask, because I have NO IDEA!

Picture of the Week!

2008-06-16T15:12:00.003-05:00

I think I'm going to start posting a "picture of the week", maybe to create some excitement on my blog, or maybe just to make myself take a lot of pictures. However, I can't take credit for this picture. Lynn took it last night with my camera. (One of MANY he took) I just HAD to post it. Heidi Ann is too cute!

Cool Pics

2008-06-09T22:27:00.010-05:00

These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago. This storm was headed right for our house.....I thought I was FINALLY going to get a picture of a tornado, but WRONG. We did get the storm, but the hanging clouds disappeared.

Hmmmm.....

2008-06-04T23:07:00.002-05:00

This is kinda funny....Leave out the words "sour" and "badger" and it might be ok...lol.

Your Native American Name Is...

Sokw Kuwanyamtiwa

Your name means: Sour Beautiful Badger Going Over the Hill

What's Your Native American Name?

Garmisch, Germany

2008-05-26T22:47:00.002-05:00

FINALLY! The last big stop on our Europe trip was Garmisch. This is a beautiful little town in the Bavarian Alps, just on the border of Germany and Austria. Most tourists go there to ski (NO, we didn't!) :). Jason and Misty really encouraged us to go there just because of how pretty it is and it's also home to the highest mountain peak in Germany. Zugspitze Mountain is nearly 10,000 ft in elevation.

We only stayed in Garmisch one night at a gorgeous hotel. The town is very quaint and the surrounding mountains were still covered in snow while we were there. Priscilla and I (Shannon got sick that morning and didn't go)traveled by train halfway up the Zugspitze, then caught a lift to go the rest of the way up. We were a little disappointed by the weather. It was snowing pretty hard and freezing cold. I believe it was around 4 degrees and visibility was very low. On a clear day you can see 4 countries from the top of the mountain.

One cool thing was that on our way down, we met a man, Martin Miller and his little boy, Safa who were from Garmisch. They'd been skiing that morning and were coming down the mountain also and offered us a ride back to town so we didn't have to get a taxi. Safa was only 7 yrs old and was skiing off of this 10,000 ft mountain! His dad told us they started him skiing when he was 3 or 4 and they hoped he'd become a famous skiier one day! Anyway, Martin showed us around town and was extremely nice. Funny I went against everything I'd ever been taught about getting in a car with a stranger, but we never felt threatened at all. He even left us in his car with Safa while he ran in the bank. I hope he never comes to the states and trusts anyone like that! lol Unfortunately, I didn't get any pics of them.

After our big trip up the mountain, we caught a train to Munich and then back to Brad and Shenista's, where we stayed 2 nights before catching a plane home. WHAT A TRIP!!!!! But there'll never be another place like TEXAS!! :)

Venice

2008-05-13T20:15:00.003-05:00

We left Paris on Wednesday evening of our trip headed for Venice, Italy by train. After an extremely difficult day, we hoped to relax and get some sleep on the train. It was ironic that in the train station, all of the Americans somehow gathered in one area. So we sat and talked for awhile with some Californians who were very nice. They knew where we were from by MY accent. lol Is it really that bad....??

Our first class tickets got us a tiny compartment on the train with 6 seats that converted to beds. I felt the claustrophobia coming on the minute we got settled. We shared the compartment with an older French man who didn't speak any English and a young French girl who spoke no English, either. For awhile the trip was ok, but when it came time to go to sleep, we realized how small the room was! We'd all gotten in bed and had the lights out and shades pulled and door locked when the conductor came banging on the door with another passenger. She was a loud stinky French lady with TONS of luggage. She was annoying and rattled off in French to me and shook her head because I couldn't understand and wanted to know what language I spoke. All she could understand was that I said "English". I never thought I'd get sick of someone saying "Oui, Oui" and "Ohh La-La", but she said it enough to last a lifetime! To cut my long story a little short, we got settled back down and then I started freaking out. There was no air and no space to move. I am VERY claustrophobic and I finally had what I guess you would call a panic attack. I couldn't breathe and was crying and all that lovely stuff. I woke Priscilla up and made her get up in the middle of the night to go sit with me in the food car (what a good friend!). It was HORRIBLE!!!!! I will never travel that way again. NEVER NEVER. I was so glad when the sun came up and everyone started getting up. The annoying loud French lady looked at me and patted my face when she saw me laying there with my eyes open. I think she felt sorry for me. LOL

SOOOOO, 14 hours later, we arrived in Venice. For those who don't know, Venice is a city made up of islands and boats carry you from place to place. I even saw a funeral "hearse" that was a boat carrying a casket with all the flowers headed for the cemetery. A boat ambulance also raced past us at one point. There are no cars and it's really quite the experience. I could go into some very funny details about Venice, but you will just have to ask if you want to know about the fish-smelling rain and our long walks, carrying our luggage everywhere, riding a boat for 2 hrs with our luggage trying to find the island we were staying on....You might also want to know about the cemetery we just so "happened" to cart our luggage to. :)

I will say that the city is BEAUTIFUL, however the people were fairly rude. I don't know how many times my head got knocked with an umbrella by people who saw me and just refused to move. The shorties traveling with me didn't have to worry about that. I even got an umbrella full of water dumped purposely on my head because I wouldn't budge when some people cut in front of me and started pushing. I started pushing them back and they tipped their umbrella to dump right on my head! It was pretty funny, if I say so myself, but I did want to punch them!

Anyway, our hotel turned out to be wonderful and had the perfect view. We did the typical tourist stuff as you will see in the pictures. Even with all the catastrophe's, it turned out to be a good day spent in Venice!

Paris

2008-05-08T22:59:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in awhile...with all the stress the church is going through with our pastor resigning (congrats to his new position in the district) I guess I thought maybe no one wanted to read my "fluff". I think I'm ready for some lighthearted-ness (is that a word?)now, so I thought I'd share my pictures of Paris. :-)

We left Germany EARLY on Monday morning on our first train ride. It was a learning experience in itself. I only thought I had packed light. I got some muscles by the end of the trip. LOL We couldn't lift our luggage above our heads to the storage and no one offered to help. I even asked one guy if he could help me and he just looked at me. I thought maybe he didn't speak English, but then later he said something to me in perfect English. I was thinking if I were in Texas, a jillion men would have offered to help without me asking. ANYWAY. We weren't in Texas. :) SOO, on with the story... it was snowing like crazy when we left Germany and freezing cold. It snowed almost all the way to Paris and it was so pretty outside. When we got to Paris, the sun would peek out every now and then, but then it would rain. We headed first to the hotel, after finding someone that spoke English to help us with directions. We got acquainted with the metro, which was a nightmare until we figured it out. I would have been lost without Priscilla and Shannon! I just got on and got off when they told me to. LOL (We did get lost a couple of times....) After getting settled in at our cute hotel with the super small elevator (or lift), we headed straight for the Eiffel Tower. On our way, we saw the parade for the Olympic torch that was going through the city. We never actually saw the torch, but we saw a couple of protests. When I first saw the Eiffel Tower, my first thought when I saw it was "there's NO WAY I'm going up that thing"! It was sooooo tall, and absolutely one of the prettiest things I have ever seen. But after standing in line for an hour or more, I did make it to the top even though I'm scared of heights. It really wasn't too bad and the view from the top was worth it.
After that we did some other sightseeing....the Arc de Triomphe and some other stuff. We ate on Champs DElysses where I had some gross pizza that cost about $25.00American dollars. The next morning we started sightseeing and took a boat tour that took us down the Siene River and stopped at every major tourist attraction or historical building along the river. It started at the Eiffel Tower and went to several places such as the Art District, the Louvre, the Notre Dame and so on. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe and then headed back to the Eiffel Tower to watch it light up and twinkle, as it does on the hour every hour after dark until midnight or so. It was soooo beautiful!!! Definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip.
The next day was one I would rather have never had. Our plans kinda fell through due to time and we ran into problem after problem. At the end of Wednesday, we got on a train headed for Venice, Italy.

More Germany

2008-04-21T13:12:00.002-05:00

On the first Sunday of our Europe trip, Brad and Shenista took us to Koln (Cologne), Germany. It's one of the largest cities in Germany and was very nice. It is home to the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe; the Colgne Cathedral. It was the tallest construction in the world until the construction of the Washington Monument, followed by the Eiffel Tower.
As I said, it was Sunday when we were there, so mass was taking place. We didn't think we'd be able to go into the sanctuary while we were there, but we did. They had roped off sections with attendants that you couldn't pass if you weren't attending service. It was a little strange how they were sitting in the pews praying and getting ready for mass and all of us tourists were just staring and taking pictures behind them. LOL They also would let you pay to climb 509 stairs to the top of the bell tower. Thankfully, it wasn't too expensive because I didn't finish! Brad, Shenista, Shannon, Priscilla and myself all started out climbing and Shannon and Brad were the only weary finishers! Shenista and Priscilla both got claustrophobic as it was a spiral staircase that was very narrow and people coming down from the top also had to squeeze by those going up. It's a good thing I quit with Priscilla (she and I made it a little over half way) because Shannon's legs hurt the rest of the day and she fell down when she got out of bed the next morning. LOL LOL Even Brad said he nearly didn't make it. I didn't feel too bad after that... :)
After the Cathedral, Shannon was rewarded for her mighty accomplishment :) with McDonald's, which she'd been begging for and no one would give in since we were in this amazing country with all of this amazing food to try! So, she was happy and then we headed for a walk down the Rhine River (which runs through Cologne) to the Lindt's Chocolate Museum and Factory. This was a really cool place. It had a museum to go through that told you anything you wanted to know about how chocolate is made and where it originated. Then it had a real factory where you could watch the candy being made and the little ladies were sitting there with little hats on bagging the stuff. It reminded me of one of my favorite "I Love Lucy" episodes where she goes to work for a day at the chocolate factory. :) You should watch it if you've never seen it...It's pretty funny....
After touring all of that, we went into the most fabulous chocolate store EVER! It took almost an hour, I think, for me to decide what to buy!
At the end of the day we headed back to Ramstein to get our stuff together for our first train ride the next morning that would take us to Paris!! :)

I'm Home!

2008-04-15T20:35:00.004-05:00

After a long trip I am home experiencing the joys of jet lag. We had a great time in Europe and I will post a lot of pictures for everyone to look at over the next few days. Internet service was not easy to come by while we were away. It was quite expensive at the hotels and we only found one cafe (the one I posted from in Paris) that had free wi-fi.

I guess I will start at the beginning....

We got to Frankfurt around 11:00am Friday. After a long and boring flight, we were exhausted. We didn't want to go to sleep so we could get used to the time change (they are 7 hrs ahead of us). So, Brad and Shenista kept us entertained the rest of the day. Brad picked us up at the airport in and we immediately got introduced to the Autobahn. I was pretty nervous the first day on it (Trevon, I did OK!) but by the end of the trip 90mph felt slow and we were ok with the 135mph! We got checked in at Ramstein AFB into a nice apartment-type room and then Shenista took us to Kaiserslautern (a nearby town) to a shopping center. Brad would call to check up on us and kept telling Shenista not to let us go to sleep. LOL Shenista also showed us the house that she and Brad just moved out of since they are being transferred to Oklahoma City in a couple of weeks. That night, they took us to a beautiful restaurant at the Schloss Hotel. Schloss means "castle". There was a castle on a hill overlooking the restaurant. The restaurant was round and had ceiling to floor windows. A large open fireplace was in the middle of the room. We were so tired that I was literally falling asleep in mid-conversation. I felt bad, but couldn't help it. I think we figured out that we were awake about 36 hours before we got to go to bed that night. Anyway, the food was great German food. After eating, Brad drove us up on the hill to see the castle. It was dark by that time, so my pics aren't the greatest, but it was pretty anyway and there was a look-out for the city below.

The next morning we got up early for an American breakfast at a 50's-looking diner, then Brad and Shenista took us to Heidelberg to see the famous Heidelberg castle. Heidelberg is a university town and is BEAUTIFUL! The Neckar River runs through the city and the castle overlooks the city. We took a guided tour and the history is very interesting. The castle was occupied at one time by King Frederick V who was married to the daughter of the King of Scotland. He only reigned one winter and the crown was taken back by force, thus marking the beginning of the Thirty Years War.

After leaving Heidelberg, we went to Piesport, about 2 hours from Heidelberg. It was a beautiful little town Brad and Shenista had discovered and he thought we would like to see it and eat at the restaurant overlooking the town.

I was really impressed with Germany. Everything is so clean and pretty. One day a couple of men even stopped traffic to sweep the intersection with a broom. The people were so friendly, also, and we found that many of them spoke some English so it wasn't too hard to communicate, though Brad taught us a few words we could use to be polite and make things a little easier.

I guess this is enough for tonight. I'm too tired to post anymore, and I don't want to bore everyone with too much info in one post!

It's good to be home, back to English speaking people, cell phones, internet, my car, free bathrooms, sunshine, warmer weather and Mexican food! :)

Having Fun In Europe!

2008-04-08T04:20:00.004-05:00

I haven't been able to blog before now because we haven't been able to get access to the internet. I am sitting in a french cafe called Le Cafe de Orleans eating croissants and drinking coffee. :) It's kind of strange...a group of protesters just went by and the man at the table next to us keeps putting his head in his plate of food and is shaking....Having a seizure, maybe? We don't know and everyone else is ignoring him. We tried to help, but no one else seems to think it's a big deal. Maybe he comes in here a lot. Anyway, on with my trip...

We have been to Germany so far and arrived in Paris yesterday. We did the Eiffel Tower Tour first thing and I really shocked myself by not freaking out as we went to the top. It was SO high, but also very beautiful. I was in awe. We also saw the Arc de Triomphe and some other things.

I can't make this post too long...we have a lot to see and do! All of you are probably sleeping right now. I'll try to post again. I don't have many pics on the computer yet...My camera doesn't want to connect for some reason, so I'll try later to figure it out and post some more.

OH, I also want to wish Kim and Misty a HAPPY BIRTHDAY since we were not there for either one. I hope y'all had a great day. :)

Packed and Ready to GOOOO!

2008-04-03T10:48:00.003-05:00

Just saying "BYE" to everyone! We leave in about 40 minutes to catch our plane out of Wichita Falls, then to Dallas, then to Chicago, then to Frankfurt at last! I will try to blog while we are gone. BON VOYAGE!

I'm pretty proud of the fact that I was able to pack this light!
Think I'll be able to find my luggage???

Something Interesting.......

2008-04-01T22:13:00.005-05:00

I suppose since I am leaving for Europe in a little over a day, I have been particularly interested in this blog: www.karieandscott.com.

I went to church in Stockton with Karie Kaufmann. She got married about 3 years ago and now she and her husband are living a dream. A few months ago, they quit their jobs in California and sold everything and moved to Europe for one year. They base out of Spain and just travel around to different places. The blog is informative and very well written, and has been nominated for a "bloggers choice" award. If anyone is interested, take a look! :) I have added a link in the "Luv My Friends" section of links.